A destination that contains all the right ingredients for the perfect holiday, be it a long weekend or a short vacation
Planning on a trip to Porto? Get ready to fall in love and never want to leave!
If you’ve ever read up on Porto, you’ll know the city for its namesake product: Port. Here at IDEAL we love this sweet fortified wine that often marks the perfect end to a good meal when it’s served with a sweet dessert or with a salivating smorgasbord of cheeses, grapes and walnuts (YUM). However, we’re not here to talk about Port alone (we write opening up a bottle we brought back from our trip) and although Porto is the famous producer of this sweet elixir, there is so much more to the city than just this.
Porto has a rugged charm about it like no other city in the world. It’s a place with a rich and varied history. It’s a place of immense beauty yet faded grandeur. The soaring bell towers, high bridges, steep hills and its maze of cobbled streets and charming rustic buildings which haphazardly lean over the Douro combine to make it one of the most picturesque cities in the world. Porto is a place everyone should visit.
Read on for our ideal city guide to Porto…
WHAT TO DO & SEE
PORT WINE TASTING
Firstly, you cannot go to Porto without drinking port – it’s the birthplace of the stuff after all! You’re reminded of this by the gigantic signs towering over the Vila Nova de Gaia, which sits just across the River Douro from Porto, advertising the city’s abundant producers of Port. Secondly, no trip to Porto is complete without a visit to a Port wine cellar. There are scores of cellars open for tastings, but Sandeman is one of the most accessible as it’s situated right on the water front. Here you can enjoy a guided tour of the old, cold and dark cellars. Warning! The rich smell of aging port in the cellars is pretty intoxicating at first, but you get used to it and after a while it may start to remind you of the sweet smell of liquor chocolates – or was that just us? After the tour comes the tasting. From ruby to tawny, the outing is worth it for this alone!
THE DOURO
One of the best ways to discover the highlights and the charm of Porto is by boat. Porto is located on the banks of the magnificent Rio Douro. Cruising up the river and enjoying the gentle breeze as the sun kisses your skin, whilst taking in the sights that line the city’s banks is a wonderfully relaxing way to spend an afternoon. From the river Porto looks like a colourful pop-up town, giving you a different perspective and a chance to really appreciate the architecture of the city.
THE RIBEIRA
If you like to people watch then this is the place for you. The Cais da Ribeira is a romantic spot dotted with cafes, bars and restaurants sheltered underneath medieval arches. Make sure you come here in the evening and have a refreshing drink, watch the sunset and take in the lively and buzzy atmosphere. The Ribeira neighbourhood itself is Porto’s historic centre and is a maze of medieval streets and colourful old houses. It’s one of the most picturesque spots in the city and after spending a while here admiring its faded grandeur and beautiful views, you can almost imagine how it once was as a thriving port with big sail ships docking and unloading on the front. It’s clear to see why UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site.
PALACIO DA BOLSA
If you’re a history buff then you will love the Palácio da Bolsa. This 19th century neoclassical stock exchange building is steeped in the history of all the kings, explorers and merchants who made Porto rich. Even if history isn’t your thing, having a peek at the ornate gilded Arabian Hall and the Hall of Nations is well worth it.
LELLO BOOKSTORE
If you’re a Harry Potter fan, this bookstore is ieal for you. Not only is it one of the world’s oldest and most astonishingly beautiful bookshops, rumour has it that JK Rowling took inspiration from it for her Harry Potter books. If you didn’t know, J.K Rowling lived in Porto for a few years as an English teacher before writing Harry Potter. With its winding staircase and intricate wooden interior, this place oozes “Hogwartsian” ambience. Another rumour flying around is that the Hogwarts’ uniform was inspired by the black capes of Porto’s students.
BOLHAO
As far as we’re concerned, no trip to a city is complete without a visit to a local market. It’s a way to really immerse yourself into a places culture. Spread over two floors, Bolhão is a colourful and lively market selling everything from fruit and vegetables to sausages, flowers and more. Have lunch in one of the cafes on the ground floor or buy yourself some strawberries to eat buy the river. It’s open weekdays until 5pm and Saturday to 1pm, however the morning is the best time to go.
THE FEIRA DA VANDOMA
If you’re in town on a Saturday, make sure you visit the Vandoma flea market. Selling everything and anything imaginary, there is sure to be something that will catch your eye.
SAO BENTO TRAIN STATION
Listing a train station as a must see tourist attraction might sound pretty strange, but once you see Porto’s São Bento station you’ll understand why. Porto is famous for its blue painted tiles called azulejos. You can find them everywhere, lavishly decorating many buildings and churches across the city. The most famous place to see the azulejos is Porto’s train station, where 20,000 tiles depict different defining scenes in Portuguese history.
SERRALVES FOUNDATION
Contemporary art lovers won’t want to miss out on the Serralves Foundation, which is one of Portugal’s leading cultural institutions. The estate is home to the one of the most influential modern art museums in Portugal and is also home to the Serralves House which is a charismatic Art Deco building with a memorable pink facade. The glorious gardens of the estate are a beautiful example of landscape architecture and a lovely place to stroll around. Lunch on the terrace of the Serralves Restaurant is a good option as it grants diners fine views of the magnificent grounds.
WHERE TO EAT
From traditional Portuguese specialities to modern dishes, Porto is home to an array of eateries. Some of the tastiest pit- stops in town include:
O COMERCIAL
Found inside the Stock Exchange Palace, O Comercial is a fantastic place to dine. The menu mixes Portuguese fare with modern Mediterranean cuisine resulting in tasty and aesthetically pleasing dishes. Given its historically beautiful setting and its elegant appearance, O Comercial might give the impression that dining here will be expensive, but it’s actually very reasonable. As you may know, the Portuguese have a special talent with fish (the local saying is that the Portuguese have 365 different ways of preparing it; one for each day of the year) and at O Comercial it’s cooked exquisitely. Also, the Portuguese are incurable soup eaters and a bowl of the stuff here is really good.
BACALHAU
Named after the salted cod speciality of Portugal, Bacalhau is a fantastic restaurant. It’s location on the Douro’s Ribeira offers a relaxing dining experience and is a perfect spot to soak up the views. The restaurant’s chef João Pupo Lameiras is a recognised name in Porto and the surrounding area. He is particularly famous for his creativity and for his sweet delicacies, where he combines traditional Portuguese dishes with other worldly flavours. Think chorizo flavoured desserts – it sounds odd but absolutely works.
CAFE MAJESTIC
Screaming opulence, Cafe Majestic is Porto’s most famous café . With elegant furnishings including prancing cherubs, art deco chandeliers and white linen table cloths, this luxurious establishment certainly lives up to its name and is undoubtedly one of Portugal’s most stunning cafes. But don’t be overwhelmed by the grandiose of the café and intimidated by the waiters in white linen jackets; instead, just sit back and enjoy the refined atmosphere. Even though the cafe is a little overpriced and overrun with tourists, it’s definitely worth having a quick peek and a coffee. The small terrace at the back of the café is absolutely delightful.
WHAT TO EAT AND DRINK
FEAST UPON THE FRANCESINHA
If you enjoy trying new cuisines then you’ll want to try Porto’s speciality: the Francescinha sandwich (literally translated to ‘Little French Female). This coronary-inducing dish is a sandwich with layers of ham, Portuguese sausage and steak covered in a rich beer and tomato based sauce. Be warned, this dish is certainly not one for faint-hearted or for those on a diet. It’s a heart-attack waiting to happen. But it’s delicious and is a symbol of Porto on a plate.
EAT SOME EGG TARTS
If you have a sweet tooth then you‘ll LOVE pastéis de nata – a little puff pastry tart filled with an egg-yolk-rich custard. These egg tarts are considered to be the national sweet treat of Portugal. They are delicious.
BITE INTO SOME BACALHAU
Bacalhau is a Portuguse speciality consisting basically of dried salted cod fish. There are lots of different versions of Bacalhau, don’t leave Porto without trying one.
TRY SOME TRIPE
The people of Porto are known as “tripe eaters”. Tripe dishes are said to have originated in the 14th century, when supposedly all meat except for offal was shipped out of Porto to feed Portuguese troops in Africa. Since then tripe has become a local speciality.
PUT AWAY SOME PORT
In the UK port is synonymous with being your grandma’s favourite tipple, but coming to Porto will completely change your opinion of this syrupy elixir. Try a refreshing glass of white port mixed with tonic, with a slice of orange and you’ll see what we mean. If you’re not a port drinker then a trip here will change you for good as there is no escaping port on a trip to Porto.
WHAT ELSE?
HIT THE BEACH
If you love the feeling of sand between your toes, the wind in your hair and the salt on your lips then visit one of Porto’s beaches.
VISIT A CHURCH
Anyone who’s travelled through Europe for a few weeks will have heard the term “ABC” – another bloody church (excuse the blasphemy). Like many other European cities, it too is true that there are a lot of churches in Porto and there are a couple that are definitely worth visiting: 1. Every great city in Portugal has a great cathedral, and Porto is no exception. The Sé Cathedral of Porto dates back to the 12th and the 13th century and its interior is as impressive as its facade.
2. You can’t miss The Almas Chapel, which is close to the Bolhão market. The facade is covered with azulejos tiles and is a breathtakingly beautiful building.
JUST WALK
One of the best ways to see and truly experience a city is to wander around it. Walking around Porto’s cluttered and cobbled streets is the greatest way to hear the city’s heartbeat and to understand it for what it really is. If you fancy a longer walk the Douro river offers long strolls to miles of sandy beaches.
CLIMB THE TORRE DOS CLERIGOS
Fancy burning off the port you’ve been drinking and all those creamy egg tarts? Then climb the 225 steps of the Torre dos Clérigos. The view of the city once you reach the top is amazing!
A DAY TRIP TO GUIMARÃES AND BRAGA
If you have time, take a day trip from Porto and discover its neighbouring cities Guimarães and Braga. Known as the birthplace of Portugal, Guimarães has preserved a medieval atmosphere at its core and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Braga is equally as interesting and for centuries Braga has been an archiepiscopal seat and pilgrimage site. Both the cities are old, interesting and beautiful and well worth visiting.
VISIT A TRADITIONAL TAVERN
For a totally immersive experience of the real Porto, make sure you visit a traditional Portuguese tavern and drink the locals homemade wine – we warn you it’s strong.
WHERE TO STAY
PESTANA PORTO
Romantically situated right on the historic Ribeira Square, overlooking the Douro River, the Pestana Porto Hotel is completely charming. This four star hotel is the perfect place to stay if you want to explore Porto by foot as all of the local attractions are within walking distance.
POUSADA DO PORTO, FREIXO PALACE HOTEL
If you’re looking for a luxurious getaway where better to stay than a Palace. Complete with spacious rooms, a relaxing spa, infinity pool and restaurant with mesmerising views of the Douro, the Pousada do Porto, hotel Palácio do Freixo is the epitome of luxury. Built in the 18th century, this hotel is actually classified as National Monument since 1910!
POUSADA DE GUIMARAES SANTA MARINHA
If you’re looking to stay near Guimarães, the majestic Pousada Santa Marinha is a must. This former 12th Century monastery sits on a hill offering magnificent views of the city. Guests can explore the orange grove and beautiful grounds of the hotel and enjoy its wonderful restaurant offering traditional and contemporary Portuguese dishes.
GETTING THERE
TAP Portugal flies from London Gatwick to Porto 14 times a week, with return fares starting at £120 including all taxes and surcharges. For further information, visit Flytap.com or call 0345 601 0932.
